We were excited to receive a visit from Carrie Pacini, creator of OpMom.  This savvy, social networking site is perfect for moms who want to stay in touch with the world today, swap favorites or get a little mommy therapy.

Check out the video interview and see what’s hot for the winter and holiday season!

Aaahh, the little black dress.  We all have one or several.  Different styles for different functions and we know just the one to pull out when the invitation comes, until the baby bump arrived.  So how do you decide on the perfect LBD without breaking the bank? Get your hands on the incredibly versatile Pouch dress.  Yes girls, one little dress that can be worn at least 6 different ways.  Go from strapless or a long skirt paired with your favorite top to one of the versatile halter styles (Grecian, traditional or crossover) and onto a single shoulder or shrug dress.  This dress can do it all and keep you looking great.  Purchased separately, each of these little numbers would add up to a total bill of around $900 but this wardrobe must-have can get you through 9 months and beyond for about $150!  The matte jersey fabric is versatile enough to be dressed up or down.   Pile on your jewelry and with a simple change of shoes, you have a brand new look.  So kick up your heels, you’ve found the perfect dress!  Available in Caviar Black, Real Red or Chocolate. 

This baby never sleeps, shop 24/7 at www.ninematernity.com

You have been counting down the days, they seemed to pass so slowly and now it is time for baby to make his/her grand entrance into the world.  But wait, you still have a list of things to do.  Where did the time go?  This baby can’t come yet!  Fear not, mom-to-be, My Baby Concierge is here for you!  Whether you’re a busy professional, single mom, expecting multiples, adopting or simply a first-time mom trying to get it all done, now help is only a phone call away.  My Baby Concierge will alleviate stress and confusion that many parents-to-be experience while preparing for a new baby.  As a little girl, we dreamt of our wedding day and married life.  Playing house was great preparation and we could have registered for china and crystal blindfolded.  Now here you go again but you can’t figure out what all the baby gear is for or why you even need it?  Let My Baby Concierge help you with baby registry assistance.  Does choosing between polka dots, plaids and whimsical themes drive you mad?  They’ll help you with nursery design and assistance. You can also tap their talent for custom birth announcements, baby proofing and so much more.

But don’t get ahead of yourself, they don’t do diapers or night duty.

Let them do the labor…..www.mybabyconcierge.com

It’s 9 a.m. and the rumbling in your tummy is becoming a bit embarrassing at the office or in the middle of your mommy errands.   You can grab a box of high-sugar, low protein snacks in an attempt to fend it off.  Or be a savvy mom-to-be and reach into your handbag for a Belly©bar, the before, during and after pregnancy nutrition bar made by women for women.  Rich in vegetarian Omega-3 DHA (supports a healthy pregnancy and nursing), the Belly©bar satisfies your need for something nutritious and your craving for something delicious.  My fave:  Baby Needs Chocolate – I still grab one every now and then (and no, I’m not pregnant girls – don’t let the rumor begin).  There’s also a Mellow Oat with oat graham and yogurt and Berry Nutty Cravings with crunchy nuts and berries.

Prefer to drink your snack?  Try their new shakes, available in Due for Chocolate or Vanilla Dreams, to get a boost of fiber, protein, calcium and Omega-3 DHA.  Or pack a bag of Chocolate Cuddles Chews and keep them with you for a sweet treat on the go.  We are sure that baby will be smiling and you’ll be satisfied.

This baby never sleeps, shop with us 24/7 at www.ninematernity.com

Cake For Dinner by Leah White

Leah White, Texas Singer and Songwriter, has a different perspective on life now that three little princesses rule her world.  Leah’s early music days, inspired by ex-boyfriends and dorm room dramas, included regular Sunday gigs at Little Woodrow’s and the Mucky Duck. 

With the 2007 release of “Cake for Dinner,” she hilariously takes on children’s music, much of which is inspired from her busy life as a mom, carpooling and car seat dilemmas.  Along with the title track Cake for Dinner, your little ones will giggle and rock to Swing Set Takeover and Car Seat Blues. 

Leah’s “Cake for Dinner” CD is a breath of fresh air that the whole family will love.  Visit www.leahwhitemusic.com for more info.

*Spend $150 or more at NINE maternity in Rice Village and get a free copy of Leah White’s Cake for Dinner CD while supplies last.  Limited quantities so hurry in!

Thank you Houston!  We are excited and honored to be named “Best Maternity Store” in the 50 Biggest & Best of Houston sponsored by Ford Motor Corporation and Great Day Houston.  We are so proud to receive this distinction and cannot thank the voters enough for giving us their nod.  If you didn’t catch the show, please click on the video above to watch our big moment live on Great Day Houston, KHOU – Channel 11.

We are blessed to love what we do.  One of the greatest thrills is the opportunity to meet so many wonderful women on their journey to motherhood.  Whether your house is expanding by two feet or more, we enjoy the time with you and thank you for your continued support.  Our locations in Rice Village and at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas are devoted to keeping Houston moms stylish and sexy throughout your pregnancy!  And with the addition of our newest family member, www.ninematernity.com, haute mamas across the US can shop with us 24/7.

Peace, Love & Babies,

Karen & Monica

NINE maternity in Rice Village

2518 Rice Blvd., Houston, Texas  77005

713.528.0041

NINE maternity at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas in the OGA Building

7900 Fannin, Suite 1490, Houston, Texas  77054

713.383.7300

Flipping the pages of the August issue of InStyle magazine, we came across an article that might make some of your grandmother’s gasp.  Now, being good Southern girls, we aren’t telling you to wear white after Labor Day, but there are a few rules that fashionistas may want to check out:

•  Mix metals – silver and gold, you heard it correctly, mix your metals in jewelry and accessories.  You’ll give off a radiant hue.
• Belt anything but your pants – Add a belt over an evening jacket, top or dress.  Even our moms-to-be get into the game with one of our hottest sellers:  the “boobie tube” by Notice in a b&w zebra print.  The wide, black leather belt adds another dimension between bust and belly for a totally sassy look.
• Don’t put away your pastels – they work a little magic with this Fall’s dark hues and can be perfectly paired with charcoal gray, chocolates and any shade of black.
• Grab your fine tooth comb – big hair is back.  Okay, so maybe it never left some parts of Texas but you can give your flat iron a little break and add some lift at the top and back.  Can’t break the flat-iron habit?  Use it to smooth out spots for a perfectly coiffed mane.  Just make sure you don’t resemble your high school yearbook pic.

If you’re one of those lucky mamas that produces more milk than you need or you’d like to help an ill infant, consider donating your extra breast milk to Mother’s Milk Bank of Austin (MMB).  MMB is a non-profit organization whose mission is to accept, pasteurize and dispense donor human milk by physician prescription primarily to premature and ill infants. 

Human milk contains antibodies to fight disease and infection and also protects against allergies.  It contains growth hormones to help babies develop and properties that have been shown to increase intelligence and decrease the risk of obesity and diabetes later in life.  It is especially critical for preterm or ill infants who are at greater risk for intestinal infections.  Mom’s own milk is always preferable but when it is not available, milk given generously by screened donor mothers is the next best alternative.

The Texas Medical Center in Houston is one of MMB of Austin’s major drop-offs for donor milk.  In addition, many of the hospitals here in Houston receive donor milk from MMB in Austin.  As an expectant mother, you can learn more about this life-saving organization that could help your child or another ill infant.

For more information in Texas, visit www.mmbaustin.org or Google “Mother’s Milk Bank” and your city name to find a location closest to you.

Yes, it’s that time of year again!  The edge of fashion meets the heart of Houston at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas Labor of Love Luncheon & Style Show benefiting The March of Dimes.

Sure to sellout once again, this soiree is a fun, fashionable and feminine celebration of women.  With Lucy Noland, KHOU’s Channel 11 news anchor, as emcee, guests will enjoy Houston image consultant Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary’s famous style seminar, Todd Ramos’ runway fashion show and light fare prepared by Chef Steve Caruana.  Guests can also shop dozens of the city’s hippest stores at the Boutique Bazaar. 

NINE will return with maternity fashions on the catwalk and a fabulous mini-boutique at the bazaar.  Check out our hottest gifts, accessories and Fall fashions including our best kept secret, non-maternity transition lines that will demand a spot in your closet!

Details:  Saturday, September 6, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Main Ballroom of the Westin Galleria at 5060 W. Alabama

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.labordayluncheon.com

Add a splash of purple to your Fall wardrobe with this top by Olian.

2008 has been a year for purple and it doesn’t slow down with Fall fashion.  The color has long signified royalty and nobility.  As a child, my sister worshipped Donnie Osmond and his purple socks and she has long favored the intoxicating color.  The opposites of hot red and cool blue come together to create this striking color so it is no wonder that Pantone, the world renown authority on color, has declared Blue Iris, a combination of the calming aspects of blue and the mystical qualities of purple, the 2008 Color of the Year.  And fashion designers have jumped on this, ensuring that shades of purple blanketed the runways from Resort to Spring and Fall collections.

Lucky you, maternity designers haven’t missed their cue either!  Core pieces to add to your collection:  a fashionable wrap by Olian that goes from day to night in a rich shade of deep purple will add a splash of color to your closet and extends beyond the baby bump period into a wardrobe staple; a draped halter top in deep eggplant purple that slips easily under a jacket and then goes solo for a date night before and after the little bambino arrives; a dolman sleeve ribbed knit top from Ripe maternity in a great shade of grape that will mix well with denim, chocolate, black, charcoal and winter white! 

For those of you wanting more of a jolt, consider a gorgeous lavender and green floral print top from Olian that features velvet trim detail or a show-stopping column pleat dress from Notice that swirls with shades of plum and lavender and is offset with striking black details. 

Just can’t push yourself to “do” purple? It was the Donnie Osmond sock memory, wasn’t it?  Add a splash of color with a quilted handbag or clutch in lavender or plum.  Each works well with monochromatic outfitting, adding a playful note to your tailored look.  No matter your style, purple adds a touch of elegance, romance or edginess and the wide-range of shades offer something for everyone.